Can you collect unemployment in NY - what are the basic requirements?
I'm trying to figure out if I can collect unemployment benefits in New York. I lost my job last month when my company downsized and I'm not sure what the requirements are. Do I need to have worked a certain amount of time? What about if I was fired vs laid off? I've never filed for unemployment before and the NYS Department of Labor website is pretty confusing. Can someone break down the basics of who qualifies?
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Liv Park
Yes, you can likely collect unemployment in NY if you meet the basic requirements. You need to have worked and earned wages in at least two calendar quarters during your base period (usually the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file). You also need to have earned at least $2,600 in your highest quarter. Being laid off due to downsizing definitely qualifies - that's considered involuntary separation. The key is that you can't be disqualified for misconduct.
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Charlee Coleman
•Thanks! What counts as the base period exactly? I started my job in January 2024 and was laid off in December, so I think I should qualify.
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Leeann Blackstein
The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024. Since you worked all year, you should definitely meet the wage requirements. You'll also need to be able and available for work and actively searching for jobs.
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Ryder Greene
•Don't forget you have to register with the NYS Department of Labor job search system too!
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Carmella Fromis
yeah i collected unemployment last year after getting laid off from retail. pretty straightforward process just make sure you file your weekly claims on time or they'll cut you off. also the job search thing is real - you need to apply to at least 3 jobs per week
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Charlee Coleman
•Good to know about the job search requirement. Do they actually check that you're applying to jobs?
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Liv Park
•Yes, they can audit your job search activities. Keep detailed records of where you applied, when, and what positions. You might need to provide this information if they review your claim.
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Theodore Nelson
I had trouble getting through to the NYS Department of Labor when I needed to ask questions about my claim status. The phone lines are always busy and their online chat rarely works. If you run into issues reaching them, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
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AaliyahAli
•Is that one of those services that charges you? I'm already broke from being unemployed lol
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Theodore Nelson
•It's way easier than trying to call dozens of times yourself. When you really need to talk to someone about your claim, it's worth it.
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Ellie Simpson
Filing for unemployment was actually easier than I expected. Just go to labor.ny.gov and click on unemployment insurance. The online application walks you through everything step by step. Make sure you have your social security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and your most recent pay stub ready.
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